Additionally, the latest trend in new construction involves building properties specifically to rent.

I have been to the city once and it didn't seem too bad which has piqued my interest in living in the area.

There is up front costs like dividing the living room into 2 more bedrooms etc plus the simplier furnishing.   

First:  I'm not sure where you live if it would be conducive to this, but you could look into ecotourism and agritourism. 

It is the local REIA and there is a multi-family meet up once a month (in addition to other niche meetings).

My husband and I own a profitable condo we rent out short to mid-term, while living in a single-family home we plan to convert to a long-term rental.

I've drawn the new build for an owner-occupant to have a single family home but with the option of having a "tenant"/roommate or family member (perhaps in-laws, or elderly parent/grandparent, or a brother/sister, who wants private, separate living space, etc.) living in their own space with their own separate utilities.

My first 2 years with them I lived in Seattle while they managed the properties here in Orlando.

Maybe I got over excited, since this was my first owner finance deal, but I was really taken by them- I wanted them to live and buy our home.

Then once your up and running if you have the opportunity to build additional units do so once you know the business.